US forces target senior al-Shabaab military commander

U.S. forces targeted a senior military commander of al-Shabaab, al Qaeda’s affiliate in Somalia, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday. 

The strike targeted Abdullahi Haji Da’ud, one of the group’s most senior military planners who served as a principal coordinator or the group’s attacks in Somalia, Kenya and Uganda, the Pentagon said. 

{mosads}Da’ud held several positions of authority within the terrorist organization over the years, including head of the Amniyat, al-Shabaab’s security and intelligence branch, the Pentagon said. 

The strike was carried out May 27 in south-central Somalia. 

“Da’ud has been responsible for the loss of many innocent lives through attacks he has planned and carried out,” Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said. 

“We are confident that the removal from the terrorist network of this experienced al-Shabaab commander with extensive operational experience will disrupt near-term attack planning, potentially saving many innocent lives,” he said. 

The Pentagon is currently assessing the results of the operation. 

U.S. forces are supporting Somali government forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia to fight al-Shabaab.